Application to for a new vehicle licence (including where you are changing your vehicle).Full Poilcy details are here:-https://www.watford.gov.uk/downloads/file/401/hackney-carriage-and-private-hire-licensing-policy-2021-2026


You must complete an online application at https://www.watford.gov.uk/vehiclelicence, Please complete as soon as possible and at least 48 hours before your appointment.

You will need to submit the following documents by uploading them when completing the application form:
- current valid insurance certificate
- all pages of your logbook if 1st time or for renewals just page 2.
- current valid MOT
- meter calibration certificate (hackney carriage vehicles only)

You will then need to bring your vehicle to The Town Hall, Rickmansworth Rd, Watford WD17 3EW for a physical inspection of the vehicle.

On arrival please park in the visitors carpark initially and only if the reception is open come in.
When reception is closed please call 01923 278476 and let us know you have arrived, an officer will come out to see you at your appointment time.

Failure to submit your application online and within time may result in your application not being processed. You may need to book another appointment and submit your documents before the new appointment.

Application for a new driver's licence

Please contact us as soon as you decide to start the process of applying on 01923 278476 to apply for a DBS Criminal Record Certificate appointment as this can take several weeks to come back.

Documents you will need when you attend are detailed here:-

https://www.gov.uk/criminal-record-check-documents

See our website to get a guide on all areas of what is required for the rest of the process.

https://www.watford.gov.uk/taxis-private-hire-1/driver-licensing

Drivers Handbook:- https://www.watford.gov.uk/downloads/file/402/driver-s-handbook
Taxi & Private Hire Policy is here:-https://www.watford.gov.uk/downloads/file/401/hackney-carriage-and-private-hire-licensing-policy-2021-2026
Your appointment will take place in person at theTown Hall, Rickmansworth Rd, Watford WD17 3EW

On arrival please park in the visitors carpark and obtain a free 30 minute ticket and only if the reception is open come in. When reception is closed please call 01923 278476 and let us know you have arrived, an officer will come out to see you at your appointment time.
You will need to bring your original documents which were uploaded with your application form with you as proof that you hold the original documents.





To Complete a Driver Application you need to have first passed the council's approved driving practical assessment, council knowledge test, and completed a medical with your GP.

The medical form is available to download from our website https://www.watford.gov.uk/driver. A list of approved companies who offer practical driving assessments is also available from this webpage.

You will need to complete our application form which is available online at https://www.watford.gov.uk/driverslicence at least 48 hours before your appointment.

You must provide us with a DVLA check code, available from https://www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence to allow us to check your driving licence.

If have previously held a driver's licence with Watford Borough Council or any other licensing authority within the last 12 months, you must provide a tax check code, available from https://www.gov.uk/guidance/complete-a-tax-check-for-a-taxi-private-hire-or-scrap-metal-licence.

You must supply three forms of identification for a criminal records check. Your driving licence, passport, and an original utility bill or bank statement (less than three months old and sent to you through the post) are acceptable.

The following documents must be submitted by email to the licensing team using the address of licensing@watford.gov.uk:
- copy of your council approved practical driving test certificate
- copy of your completed medical
- your knowledge test pass certificates (both the routes pass certificate and the additional knowledge test pass certificate)

Your appointment will take place in person at theTown Hall, Rickmansworth Rd, Watford WD17 3EW
On arrival please park in the visitors carpark and obtain a free 30 minute ticket and only if the reception is open come in. When reception is closed please call 01923 278476 and let us know you have arrived, an officer will come out to see you at your appointment time.
You will need to bring your original documents which were uploaded with your application form with you as proof that you hold the original documents.

Failure to submit the required documents or completed application form in time before your appointment may result in your appointment being cancelled and your application not being processed. Being more than 10 minutes late to your appointment may also result in your appointment being cancelled.

Application to renew an existing driver's licence.

You will need to complete our application form which is available online at https://www.watford.gov.uk/driverslicence 28 days before your current licence expiry and only under exceptional circumstances at least 48 hours before your appointment.

You must provide your current Driver Badge Number

You should signed up to the DBS update service and if this is not the case you must contact us immediately on 01923 278476 to re-apply for a new DBS certificate .
If you are on the DBS Online Update Service to complete an online check on you, you must submit your registered disclosure certificate by email to to the licensing team using the address of licensing@watford.gov.uk 28 days before your licence expires and at least 48 hours before your appointment in exceptional circumstances only.



You must provide us with a DVLA check code, available from https://www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence to allow us to check your driving licence.

You must also provide a tax check code, available from https://www.gov.uk/guidance/complete-a-tax-check-for-a-taxi-private-hire-or-scrap-metal-licence.

You must supply three forms of identification. Your driving licence, passport, and an original utility bill or bank statement (less than three months old and sent to you through the post) are acceptable.


Your appointment will take place in person at the The Town Hall, Rickmansworth Rd, Watford WD17 3EW. You will need to bring your original documents which were uploaded with your application form with you as proof that you hold the original documents. If you are signed up to the DBS update service, you must bring with you your original disclosure certificate as well. Upon arrival at the Depot, please wait in your vehicle to be collected by a member of the licensing team.

Failure to submit the required documents or completed application form in time before your appointment time may result in your appointment being cancelled and your application not being processed. Please arrive in time to park and get a free 30 min ticket in the visitor carpark as being more than 10 minutes late to your appointment may also result in your appointment being cancelled.

Application to renew a valid existing vehicle licence.

You will need to complete our application form which is available online at https://www.watford.gov.uk/driverslicence 28 days before your current licence expiry and only under exceptional circumstances at least 48 hours before your appointment.


You will need to submit the following documents by uploading them when completing the application form:
- your current plate number
- current valid insurance certificate
- all pages of your logbook
- current valid MOT

You will then need to bring your vehicle to The Town Hall, Rickmansworth Rd, Watford WD17 3EW for a physical inspection of the vehicle.

On arrival please park in the visitors carpark initially and only if the reception is open come in.
When reception is closed please call 01923 278476 and let us know you have arrived, an officer will come out to see you at your appointment time.

Failure to submit your application online in time may result in your application not being processed. You may need to book another appointment and submit your application and supporting documents before the new appointment.